understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 
understated; understating; understates
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state or present with restraint especially for effect
Examples of understate in a Sentence
He understated his taxable income.
She's trying to understate the issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
This conservative approach often understated the true value of crypto holdings on corporate balance sheets.
—
Leeor Shimron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Trouble is, there are situations where even a savvy tactician like Jeff may inadvertently understate potential danger.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
As a result, the company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April, understated its CEO's compensation by 94% over three fiscal years, according to the agency.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 17 Dec. 2024
The mega yacht’s exterior in white, chrome, and glass, and a private top sun deck, is understated but still feels a little like something out of music video.
—Alexandra Pereira, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate 
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Leeor Shimron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Trouble is, there are situations where even a savvy tactician like Jeff may inadvertently understate potential danger.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
As a result, the company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April, understated its CEO's compensation by 94% over three fiscal years, according to the agency.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 17 Dec. 2024
The mega yacht’s exterior in white, chrome, and glass, and a private top sun deck, is understated but still feels a little like something out of music video.
—Alexandra Pereira, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate
Dictionary Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
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